Making bread can be scary, but flatbread is an easy version that you don't need to be Paul Hollywood to master. Even if you've never baked your own bread before, you'll find that flatbread is simple and fun to make. With a bit of practice, you'll be whipping up batches in no time at all. Read on for tips and tricks for homemade flatbread.
What is flatbread and where does it come from?
Flatbread is exactly what it sounds like: a kind of bread that's flat. In fact, the term flatbread refers to a broad, general category of bread. It includes some leavened breads that contain raising agents like yeast, as well as unleavened breads that remain completely flat when cooked.
Flatbread is the oldest and simplest form of bread and is thought to be one of the first foods prepared by humans. There's some evidence to suggest that people in the Levant region of the Middle East were eating flatbreads 30,000 years ago. So next time you tuck into a Lebanese style flatbread, you're actually nibbling on history! Different forms of flatbread have been developed in different parts of the world, such as Indian naan or Mexican tortilla.
Flatbread ingredients
There are many types of flatbreads, some including aromatic ingredients like garlic, herbs or spices. Some include yeast, yoghurt or other raising agents. However, an unleavened flatbread is one of the simplest recipes of all. In its most basic form, it contains just three ingredients: flour, water and salt. Most recipes also call for some oil or butter for cooking, but some flatbreads are intended to be dry-fried. This very simple base can then be enjoyed as an accompaniment to all kinds of vegetarian or meat recipes.
How to make flatbread
- Sift flour into a bowl and add a small amount of salt.
- Gradually stir in enough warm water to form a soft dough. The water should be warm but not too hot to touch.
- Shape the dough into a ball with your hands. Turn it out of the bowl and knead for two minutes, then leave it to rest for 15 minutes.
- Roll it out thinly and cut it into circles.
- Cook each flatbread in a hot frying pan brushed with olive oil, or use a dry frying pan if you prefer, for two minutes on each side. Cover with a tea towel to keep warm and soft while you cook the remaining flatbreads.
Tips for soft and fluffy flatbread
Because flatbread is so thin, it can easily dry out. You're probably going to cook one flatbread at a time, so the ones you cook first may end up very dry by the time the whole lot is done. To prevent this, cover each flatbread with a clean tea towel as soon as it's cooked. This stops the steam from escaping, leaving the breads soft and fluffy.
Leavened flatbread is easier to keep soft than unleavened flatbread. The easiest leavened flatbread doesn't involve yeast. Instead, just replace the warm water in the basic recipe with Greek yoghurt. This can create a fluffier flatbread that goes well with all kinds of tasty vegetarian recipes, dips and stews.
Different types of flatbread
Just about every culture has its own take on flatbread, from Mexican tortillas to Ethiopian injera. One of the most popular and familiar flatbreads comes from India: naan bread. This is trickier to make at home, as it is baked in an incredibly hot oven rather than cooked in a frying pan, which gives it its trademark soft, chewy texture. Serve it with curry or use it as a pizza base, like in this fun harissa sausage naan pizza or chicken tikka naan pizza.
Flatbreads are particularly popular in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean. Pita bread, lavash, bazlama and other forms of flatbread are all staples of the region.
What to serve with flatbread
In the Middle East, flatbread is used both as a side dish and a utensil. People scoop up their food with torn pieces of bread, eating with their hands. It's served alongside rice, stews, salads, dips and more. No meal would be complete without it. Check out these how to cook guides for ideas for a Middle Eastern feast.
Don't think that flatbread is just for eating with dips. Both naan and pita make fun, unusual bases for pizza. You can also roll up flatbreads in wraps and similar sandwich alternatives. As flatbreads are eaten all over the world, there are hundreds of ways to eat them. Check out the internationally inspired meal kits available from HelloFresh, and grab a discount code to get started.
How to make flatbread FAQs
What is flatbread made of?
Flatbread can be made from just three ingredients: flour, salt and water. Of course, there are more complex flatbreads, with some including herbs, spices and other aromatic ingredients. However, at heart, it's a very simple type of bread that has been enjoyed around the world for thousands of years.
Is pita bread a flatbread?
Yes. Pita bread is a leavened flatbread, which means it contains yeast. That makes it slightly more complicated than the simplest flatbreads, but it's still part of the broader flatbread category. Its pocket shape is created when the dough puffs up during cooking.
Can you make flatbread without yeast?
Yes. The most basic flatbreads are unleavened, which means they contain no yeast or raising agents. They will not rise when cooked, and the classic Mexican tortilla is a good example of this type of flatbread. These simple recipes are often quick and easy to prepare at home.
How can you stop flatbreads from going hard?
Add a bit of warm water or oil to the dough to keep flatbreads soft. As soon as they're cooked, cover them with a clean kitchen towel. This will ensure that they remain soft and steamy while you prepare the rest of the meal. Storing them properly can also help prevent them from drying out.
Is flatbread the same as naan?
Not exactly. Naan is a type of flatbread, but there are many other types of flatbread that are not naan. Naan, which hails from India, stands out because it is leavened and cooked in a very hot oven, which gives it its distinctive soft, chewy texture.